Wimbledon champion Venus Williams has entered the Acura Classic, joining sister Serena, at least for now, in an event at the La Costa Resort and Spa that Venus has won the last three times she has played in it.

Venus
Williams

Earlier, Serena committed to playing in the $1.34 million Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tournament scheduled July 28-Aug. 5, but the thumb injury Serena suffered at Wimbledon would seem to make her participation at La Costa questionable.

Venus triumphed at the Acura in 2000, 2001 and 2002, defeating Monica Seles in the finals the first two years, then Jelena Dokic. In 2002, she was presented the tournament's Loyalty Award in recognition of having begun to compete at La Costa in 1995.

“It's been a few years since I've played in San Diego, and I am proud to have won the tournament the last three times I played it,” Venus told tournament officials. “In some way, I feel like I'm returning as defending champion.”

Maria Sharapova won the event in 2006.

“I know this will be the last year for the Acura Classic, and I'd love to win for the fourth time and go down in the books as the tournament's final champion,” Venus said.

“Venus is a huge San Diego favorite, both for our fans and for everyone who has been involved with the tournament over the years,” Giscafre said. . . . “For her to be returning after such an amazing performance at Wimbledon makes it all the more exciting.”

Her conquest of Marion Bartoli in the Wimbledon final moved Venus back into the top 20 on the women's tour for the first time in a year. She advanced from No. 23 in the rankings to No. 17.